Marbleocity 4-Bar Link Kit
4 Bar link
Marbleocity introduces children to engineering principles and physics concepts with dynamic hands-on STEM model kits made of precision-cut wood in the USA. Each kit includes easy-to-follow assembly instructions in a graphic novel that features the Tinkineer characters. The comic introduces a physics concept or engineering mechanism that is the focal point of the model, all in a fun and engaging way! The result is an awesome kinetic sculpture and some new physics and engineering insight!
These toys are designed to be easy to construct with no tools and can be operated either with or without a motor, allowing the child to slow down the action to really see what principles are at work within the kit.
Design Process
Marble machines are no easy thing to design and this kit provided both aesthetic and engineering hurdles. Many models and mockups needed to be generated and tested, each iteration getting closer with an additional bit of tape and shim before the changes could be put back into the final die lines for the next test.
This, the final of 3 kits also needed to work together with the previous sets. These necessities made this an enjoyable and rewarding challenge to design.
Final Production
After all the testing and re-testing had been completed, production actually took place at a Playmonster facility, so tolerances and fit could be checked and tweaked before sent off to test with children to ensure a robust and functioning product as well as clear instructions.
Marbleocity Triple Play
Not only do these kits operate individually, but are designed to work within a bigger system as well, allowing all three of these smaller kits to link up into a full 3 part marble machine rollercoaster!